And Vertonghen feels his side - currently sixth, a point behind Everton and with a greatly inferior goal difference - have to come out on top when one of their biggest rivals for the Premier League's fourth and final Champions League spot rock up at White Hart Lane.

He said: “It is games like this we have to win if we want to compete for fourth place.”

Vertonghen is aware, however, that Tottenham face a tough task.

He said: “They’re a very good team with very good players. They impress me. They have a good manager. They’re a good team to watch. I like to watch Everton all the time because they play proper football.”

Asked if he was surprised by their improvement under ex-Wigan boss Martinez, Vertonghen added: “No.

“We played against [Martinez’s] Wigan last year and they beat us at home and drew away, so we could see the way they play – it’s a good way and it works for Everton.”